Destination Distance From Downtown

Difficulty

Time To Complete

Seasonality

Dog Friendly

Fees Permits

Land Website

Review

Intro

Tomales Bay is a popular kayaking destination for paddlers who want to experience Mother Nature’s wonders up close. Observant and patient paddlers can see harbor seals, herons, egrets and pelicans.

What Makes It Great

Watch below the surface to see leopard sharks glide past your boat. A few paddlers have even reported seeing gray whales. If you are interested in spending the whole weekend exploring, there are several kayak camping sites on the western side of the bay.

Who is Going to Love It

Paddlers of all levels will enjoy the area. The inlet is a great place to spend a day paddling the open water looking for marine life.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

There are two access points for kayakers here. Hearts Desire Beach is located on the west side of Tomales Bay on Pierce Point Road. It is a day-use area. Millerton Point is on the east side of Tomales Bay, 3 miles north of Point Reyes Station. There is an $8 day use fee for the park.

The park is 40 miles north of San Francisco, adjacent to Point Reyes National Seashore. Eight miles from Highway One on the west side of the bay and four miles north of Inverness on Pierce Point Road.